Plea entered in connection to escape

A Leavenworth man has pleaded no contest to harboring an inmate who escaped from the Leavenworth County Jail.

A Leavenworth man has pleaded no contest to harboring an inmate who escaped from the Leavenworth County Jail.

Joshua A. Showalter, 26, pleaded to one felony obstruction count Friday in Leavenworth County District Court. The charge was in connection to Raheem K. Armstead, who escaped from custody at the Leavenworth County Jail Dec. 29.

Showalter allowed Armstead to stay at his apartment after the escape. Authorities found Armstead Dec. 31 hiding in a closet in the apartment.Showalter also allowed Armstead to use his cell phone, according to Assistant County Sherri Becker.

As part of a plea agreement, there will be a recommendation for what is considered the standard sentence under state sentencing guidelines. Showalter has agreed to testify against a codefendant, James R. Hill, who is charged with aiding an escape. Following this, one of two pending probation revocation motions against Showalter will be withdrawn, according to Becker.

The revocation proceedings are for earlier theft cases.

Sentencing for the obstruction charge is scheduled for March 22.

Armstead, 29, pleaded guilty last month to aggravated escape from custody. Sentencing in his case is scheduled for Feb. 22.

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